THE closure of Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1 in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, for the month-long Deepavali bazaar has residents and businesses concerned over traffic congestion and access.
A 120m stretch of Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1, which links Jalan Tun Sambanthan and Lengkok Tun Sambanthan, has been closed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for the bazaar.
This year’s bazaar is being held at the carpark of the former DBKL Sports Complex that was demolished.
Ang Seng Rukun Tetangga chairman Ramesh Supramaniam said letters were submitted to Kuala Lumpur mayor and the minister-in-charge before the closure.
“Holding a bazaar in this location will likely result in indiscriminate parking, not only in the immediate area but also along Jalan Tun Sambanthan.”
Ramesh said decisions that had a direct impact on traffic flow, accessibility, businesses and residents’ daily lives should be made only after proper engagement and consultation with the affected community.
Brickfields Rukun Tetangga chairman SKK Naidu said the road was a main entry and exit route for residents and businesses along the stretch.
“This move will affect some 10,000 people living in the area, including those in at least 10 high-rise residential and business premises.
“With stalls along the road and existing parking spaces occupied, motorists may end up parking indiscriminately around Brickfields,” he said.
Brickfields resident Ravin P. said the bazaar was likely to create traffic and noise for nearby residents.
“I am not questioning the decision to place the bazaar there, but I hope there will be proper traffic management and strict enforcement to prevent congestion.
“Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1 is an important route for residents, as well as Bank Rakyat employees who use it to head towards Federal Highway.
“The risk of double parking and vehicles stopping along the road could create problems, especially during peak hours,” he said.
Ravin hopes the authorities can strike a balance between allowing the bazaar to operate successfully and ensuring nearby residents are not affected.
Crescent Court condominium chairman Dr R. Balasubramaniam said residents were informed during a DBKL engagement session on Sept 3 that part of Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1 would be closed.
The condominium, about 60m from the bazaar site, could lose convenient access as a result, he said.
“With the road closed, the traffic jam will be massive. It could even cause gridlock.”
He proposed issuing passes or stickers to residents while restricting other vehicles from entering and parking near the condominium.
The Orthodox Syrian Church Cathedral of St Mary the Theotokos management, located along the affected stretch, also raised access concerns.
Its honorary secretary Cherian Vargis said the church had objected to DBKL’s proposal during an Aug 22 meeting that vehicles enter through a side fence.
He said direct access was essential, particularly for ambulances and hearses.
“We have many elderly people, so we must ensure an ambulance can enter during a medical emergency,” he said.
Cherian suggested that the road closure begin after the church entrance.
The church subsequently wrote to DBKL on Aug 26 seeking uninterrupted access, details of traffic and security arrangements, and enforcement personnel at the bazaar.
On the other hand, some locals have welcomed the new bazaar location.
R. Thanasri, 25, is pleased with the relocation, recalling the congestion during previous bazaars that made travelling to work in Brickfields very stressful.
“The traffic jam used to be terrible and I dreaded coming here during that period.
“This year, I am looking forward to the Deepavali bazaar,” she said.
Also welcoming the move was Sentral Suites resident Karen Tan, who recalled loud music and stage performances at previous bazaars that continued until midnight.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said traffic congestion was expected during festive events.
Enforcement officers, she said, would monitor vehicle movements daily to keep traffic flowing.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud said traffic wardens have been deployed to monitor traffic flow in the area during the period of the Deepavali bazaar.
DBKL, he said, has set up a temporary office at the site to handle ground operations.
He added that an alternative route behind the bazaar site would remain accessible.
